View Full Version : powerlink question
vqdriver
06-09-2009, 11:03 AM
i've got my first sram chain with a powerlink in it.
is there a trick to opening these things again when they're stuck?
skijoring
06-09-2009, 11:09 AM
slide your fingers along the plates first one way, then the other...grasp with thumb and forefinger..that should do it! make sure you fingers are sliding in opposite directions.
And you sort of have to push 'em together and slide 'em at the same time. I used to have a hell of a time with it and now, for some reason, its almost always easy. I don't know if the powerlinks changed or I just developed some muscle memory based on what worked.
-Ray
sg8357
06-09-2009, 11:38 AM
When the link is brand new, they are a pain to unlock.
Just ride the bike for a while, the link will become easy to undo.
Park does make a plier thingie to undo the link.
Scott G.
soggybiker
06-09-2009, 11:55 AM
Pinch the plates inward towards themselves and then you can slide them apart. I've found that if the chain is really dirty, the accumulated grit can prevent the plates from moving inward enough to free themselves. In that case, you'll have to clean the chain (or the link) on the bike before you can undo the link.
eddief
06-09-2009, 12:08 PM
by derailing the chain gently to hang on your bottom bracket and off of the chainrings.
vqdriver
06-09-2009, 12:10 PM
i understand how it's supposed to work, it was just really stuck. maybe it'll loosen up with some use. for now, i ended up pinching the two ends together with needlenose pliers, but that's not exactly ideal. i figured i was missing something, but maybe they just need to loosen up.
Ahneida Ride
06-09-2009, 12:39 PM
I gave up and purchased the Park tool.
fatallightning
06-09-2009, 01:19 PM
You need to push the links towards each other, which you've done, while also giving a little pressure pushing the plates together.
SpeedyChix
06-09-2009, 01:54 PM
If you've got a 10-spd chain, the connector is a one use deal.
Here's a video on how to do the others
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeTmy6N_VQA
mister
06-09-2009, 01:57 PM
yeah if it's ten speed then it's actually a power lock. use a chaintool to press the pins out the power lock.
vqdriver
06-09-2009, 02:28 PM
the chain i've got is a 9sp so no problem there.
i was gonna put a powerlink on my road bike as well, but if they're one use anyway, then forget it. do they even work on campy chains?
SpeedyChix
06-09-2009, 02:45 PM
Wipperman makes connector links that are cross-mfg compatible.
xjoex
06-09-2009, 05:07 PM
You can squeeze the sides and push the link together... or just buy the Park MLP-1
http://www.parktool.com/images/products/productimages/spr_MLP-1_2005729_58281.jpg
I have one, its worth it.
-Joe
Wipperman makes connector links that are cross-mfg compatible.
They make links that fit some other chain brands, but it's only by coincidence. Their 10 speed link will fit KMC, Wipperman or Shimano 10 chains, but it's a sloppy fit on a SRAM 10 or Campy 10 UN chain.
Their links are great, though. I'm using the no-longer-made 10S1 link to join an 11 speed chain.
Ahneida Ride
06-09-2009, 07:13 PM
You can squeeze the sides and push the link together... or just buy the Park MLP-1
http://www.parktool.com/images/products/productimages/spr_MLP-1_2005729_58281.jpg
I have one, its worth it.
-Joe
That's it... one squeeze and done. Well worth the frns.
BE CAREFUL !!!! If there is tension on the chain, the chain will fly apart when the connector is removed. You can get whacked by the chain!
If you've got a 10-spd chain, the connector is a one use deal.
Here's a video on how to do the others
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeTmy6N_VQA
What connector is available for multiple uses with a 10 speed chain??
PaulE
06-09-2009, 08:01 PM
What connector is available for multiple uses with a 10 speed chain??
Try these
lickbike (http://www.lickbike.com/sectionsublist.aspx?SECTION='0051'&SUBSECTION='150'&SECTIONNAME='Chains'&SUBSECTIONNAME='CONNECTORS')
They always seem to be on backorder when I order them though, so if you need more than one, order them all the first time.
SpeedyChix
06-09-2009, 08:03 PM
Wipperman 10 Speed Connex Link
http://cantitoeroad.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=28_42&products_id=109
Try these
lickbike (http://www.lickbike.com/sectionsublist.aspx?SECTION='0051'&SUBSECTION='150'&SECTIONNAME='Chains'&SUBSECTIONNAME='CONNECTORS')
They always seem to be on backorder when I order them though, so if you need more than one, order them all the first time.
+1
Dekonick
06-09-2009, 08:26 PM
cbike makes a 10 speed version. I had to wait almost 6 months for mine - I ordered a bunch. I use 3 chains per cassette. Change them every week or 2. (do it when you get back from a long ride. Remove chain, wash bike. Dry bike. (I just let mine air dry after picking it up and dropping it a few inches, letting it bounce most of the water off) put new clean, pre-lubed chain on bike. sometime during the week, take dirty chain and put it in a plastic bag with solvent - clean in ultrasonic cleaner. remove chain. rinse. replace chain in bag with homebrew lube (havent tried this part yet - Ive used prolink up to now) put in ultrasonic cleaner for 20 or so seconds. Remove chain. wipe chain. let chain hang and air dry. Now this chain is put back into the rotation.
This way your 'new' chain is always clean, lubed, and ready to go on the bike. Because you have extra chains, you can wash 2 at a time. Its fast and easy to clean them and can be done any time. It works and will extend the life of your cassette's and chain.
addendum - it is lictons that has them, not cbike.
Dekonick
06-09-2009, 08:32 PM
Try these
lickbike (http://www.lickbike.com/sectionsublist.aspx?SECTION='0051'&SUBSECTION='150'&SECTIONNAME='Chains'&SUBSECTIONNAME='CONNECTORS')
They always seem to be on backorder when I order them though, so if you need more than one, order them all the first time.
lol - you beat me to it! I was typing away expousing their value...
make sure you order a bunch.
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